The 17-year-old defender is the latest in a long line of talent produced from the Saints' youth setup, and the club is determined to hold on to yet another prodigious footballing talent.

Shaw has turned heads since breaking into the first team. He has appeared in Southampton’s last 11 matches, starting 10. That happens to coincide with the South Coast club’s stronger defence.

The 17-year-old defender has broken into the Saints’ first team this season and has featured in the last 11 league games for Adkins’ side, of which he started 10.

Shaw last featured in Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Wenger’s Arsenal, and he was instrumental in stifling an attack that netted seven against Newcastle.

It's no wonder why Adkins is so keen to keep hold of this talent: Arsenal have a history of poaching Southampton starlets, including explosive wingers and England regulars Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Talking to Talk Sport, Adkins said:

“We have a good culture here. [Shaw] is under contract. We are not looking to let him go.

“This is best place for him at this point in his career. He has a big, big future in the game, which he demonstrated with his performance against Arsenal the other night.

“If anyone wants to try and do business, all the best dealing with the chairman.”

Saints’ draw with Arsenal helped lift them out of the relegation zone to temporary safety in 17th place in the Premier League.